In December 1999, the U.N. General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134, proclaiming November 25th to be the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Unfortunately, resolutions or days of recognition alone cannot end the sexual and other forms of gender-based violence targeted at women and girls all over the world. Only resolve, commitment, and passion on the part of strong women and men, dedicated policymakers, and advocates can create the conditions to bring an end to this violence. It is no small task, but there are concrete actions that can be taken to move us one step closer. This is especially true in areas where sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, not the least of them in Darfur.
Gender-based violence in Darfur is rampant. In the over five years of conflict in the region, it has been systematically used as a tool of genocide. And it continues to claim hundreds of victims every day, in turn creating thousands of strong-willed survivors.
Today, there will likely be a lot of talk. The U.N. Secretary-General may mark the day with a call to action against all forms and manifestations of violence against women and girls. Other senior officials of the United Nations and high-level office-holders may also comment on the global advocacy effort.
There is already an active community in place that has taken on the fight to stop gender-based violence throughout the world. As it stands today, gender-based and sexual violence against women is a universal phenomenon. But in every instance, there is an opportunity to act. And with every opportunity, we must engage.
Darfur is that opportunity.
But talk is far from action. Today, we ask that you mark the day with a commitment to the women of Darfur – that you will stand with them to combat the daily acts of violence committed against them.
On February 11, 2009, the Darfur advocacy movement will come together in an evening of advocacy to discuss what we can do to stop sexual violence against women and girls in Darfur. In our communities and as citizens of a global world, we must fight to stop crimes like those committed in Darfur and be strong advocates for the protection of innocent civilians.
Throughout the night we will discuss the violence in Darfur and how it uniquely affects women and girls. And because talking is only the first step, we will take part in actions that engage activists from every corner of the world. These actions will be aimed at deploying a civilian protection forced armed with the necessary resources to effectively protect women and girls. At the top of that list we will work to get female boots on the ground and to secure training for troops in the gender-specific portions of their mandate. This is not easy work, but it is absolutely essential work. Together, we can stand with the women of Darfur in their fight to end the violence and facilitate peace.
Mark your calendars for February 11, 2009 – contact Sarah Grundahl (sarah@savedarfur.org) or Katie Gualtieri (katie@savedarfur.org) to learn more information and sign up for updates.
Click here to view the teaser of the video that will be shown that evening.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
